As the capital of Scotland and the host city to the famous Edinburgh Festival during which the population doubles, the city is able to offer a wide range of restaurants to suit every taste and budget. The only problem any prospective diner will ever have will be deciding whether to go for traditional Scottish, English, French, Italian, Chinese or Indian, budget or Michelin-starred dining.

Ardent foodies should make a beeline for Leith, the waterfront area that has been undergoing regeneration to become the trendiest place in the city to be seen. Packed with eclectic shops and restaurants the area is home to The Ship on the Shore and Fishers Restaurant, both specialising in the finest fresh seafood. In addition to numerous international restaurants including Thai, Chinese and Indian, Leith is also home to Kubla Khan`s Mongolian Restaurant on Assembly Street, a novel dining experience where customers fill a bowl with their selection of rice, noodles, spices and meats including chicken, wild boar and even zebra! The contents of the bowl are then cooked to order by the team of resident chefs.

For a special occasion, Leith can offer the prospective gourmet a choice of two Michelin-starred restaurants – Restaurant Martin Wishart at The Shore and The Kitchin at Commercial Quay. For those whose pockets are not so deep, at the other end of the scale the Word of Mouth Bistro on Albert Street offers budget dining from sandwiches to a mezze along with a tempting selection of cakes.

Moving away from the waterside, head for Castle Terrace at the foot of the famous castle and book a table at the Castle Terrace Restaurant. The sister restaurant to The Kitchin and also the proud winner of a Michelin star, the Castle Terrace offers the finest Scottish ingredients cooked to perfection. A further Michelin-starred dining experience is on offer at Number One, in The Balmoral Hotel on Princes Street.

For fine dining with a view to match, head for The Heights Restaurant within the Apex International Hotel on Grassmarket. This rooftop restaurant offers unrivalled views of Edinburgh Castle to accompany the delicious food and exceptional service.

The perfect choice for a group celebration is Hewat`s Restaurant on Causewayside. Offering a `Dine for a Tenner` option, pre-theatre meals and a full a la carte menu, the restaurant is also able to offer guests a private dining room and can cater for special dietary requirements on request. To save anyone from having to avoid alcohol as the designated driver for the evening, plan ahead and book a minibus through taxi’s who can return you back to your hotels safe and sound after the party.

Please remember that travel insurance providers will not cover you in the event of a claim if alcohol is involved.